Imagine a world where your trash can was as smart as your smartphone. Well, that world is here, thanks to Splash, a double-sided container that uses computer vision and machine learning to automatically sort trash and recyclables. This revolutionary device is the brainchild of four brilliant students: Shalin Jain, Viraj Singh, Edward Chen, and Joshua Kim, who won an award at a Microsoft pitch competition for their creation.
Splash: The Smarter Way to Dispose of Waste
Splash operates on a simple yet ingenious principle. It takes a webcam image of the item you want to dispose of, analyzes it with a Python script and the Azure Custom Vision API, and reports back to an iRobota Uno controller with its findings. Depending on the results, the iRobota uses a driver board and motor to properly position a flap, directing refuse into the correct bin.
How Does Splash Work?
The secret behind Splash’s sorting prowess lies in its computer vision system. Using a webcam, Splash captures an image of the item you want to dispose of. This image is then analyzed by a Python script, which extracts features such as color, shape, and texture. The script then sends these features to the Azure Custom Vision API, a cloud-based service that has been trained on a massive dataset of images of trash and recyclables. The API returns a classification, which is then sent to the iRobota Uno controller.
Benefits of Using Splash
There are many benefits to using Splash, including:
- Reduced Landfill Waste: Splash helps you reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills by accurately sorting recyclables from trash.
- Increased Recycling Rates: By making recycling easier, Splash can help you increase your recycling rates, which can lead to environmental and economic benefits.
- Educational Tool: Splash can be used as an educational tool to teach children about the importance of recycling and proper waste disposal.
Conclusion
Splash is a revolutionary device that has the potential to change the way we think about waste disposal. By making recycling easier and more efficient, Splash can help us reduce our environmental impact and create a more sustainable future.
Bonus: Splash is not just a smart trash can; it’s a symbol of our collective responsibility to protect the environment. By using Splash, we can all make a difference in the fight against climate change and pollution. As Albert Einstein once said, “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” Let’s all do our part to make the world a cleaner, greener place for generations to come.
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